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Polyphenols in Ruminant Nutrition and Their Effects on Reproduction.
Drago Bešlo1, Gloria Došlić1, Dejan Agić1
1Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, University J. J. Strossmayer Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 28, 2022
Summary
Polyphenols in animal diets offer benefits like improved reproduction but can also cause harm, such as reduced fertility in cows. Careful consideration of polyphenol types and concentrations is crucial for animal health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Reproductive Biology
- Plant Metabolites
Background:
- Polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites, are increasingly studied for their effects on domestic animal diets.
- Their bioavailability is key to understanding in vivo effects, which can be both positive and negative.
- Oxidative stress from free radicals can damage reproductive cells, highlighting the need for antioxidants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual effects (positive and negative) of dietary polyphenols on domestic animal health.
- To examine the impact of polyphenols on animal reproduction, including gamete quality and reproductive tract function.
- To discuss the bioavailability and metabolic pathways of specific polyphenols like phytoestrogens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on polyphenol effects in animal diets.
- Analysis of research on antioxidant properties of polyphenols and their impact on gamete quality.
- Examination of studies investigating phytoestrogen effects on female reproductive health and fertilization rates.
Main Results:
- Certain polyphenols at specific concentrations act as antioxidants, enhancing male and female gamete quality.
- Phytoestrogens can disrupt female reproductive function, leading to conditions like ovarian and uterine dysfunction.
- Metabolites of genistein and daidzein have been linked to decreased fertilization rates in cows.
Conclusions:
- Dietary polyphenols present a complex profile with both beneficial antioxidant and detrimental hormonal effects.
- Understanding polyphenol bioavailability and metabolism is essential for optimizing their use in animal nutrition.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise roles and optimal application of various polyphenols in domestic animal diets.
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